The Nigerian Presidency denied claims that France is taking over its mining sector after President Tinubu’s visit. An MoU was signed to collaborate on critical minerals, but Nigeria retains its mining rights as confirmed by Special Adviser Sunday Dare.
The Nigerian Presidency has clarified that France is not taking control of Nigeria’s mining sector following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed, aiming to foster collaboration on joint projects to expand both nations’ critical mineral value chains. Tinubu’s Special Adviser, Sunday Dare, reassured that Nigeria retains its mining rights and complies with international standards that govern such agreements. “The French are not taking over. Nowhere in the document was it agreed or suggested that Nigeria has signed away mining rights to the French,” Dare stated, refuting widespread misconceptions.
The discussions between Nigeria and France arise from a growing global focus on critical minerals necessary for clean energy technologies, such as lithium and cobalt. The partnership aims to enhance the mineral value chains, reflecting Nigeria’s effort to integrate its solid minerals sector into the global economy. This initiative also aligns with international standards in the mining sector, reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty in resource management while attracting foreign investment.
In summary, the Nigerian Presidency has asserted that France will not take over Nigeria’s mining sector following a recent MoU. The agreement focuses on joint development of critical minerals without compromising Nigeria’s rights. The clarifications serve to dispel misinformation regarding French involvement in Nigeria’s mining activities.
Original Source: dailypost.ng